Family pay tribute at funeral of Scottish student Chloe Hipson killed in Ireland crash

The heartbroken family of a young Scottish student killed in a crash in Ireland have paid an emotional tribute at her funeral.

Chloe Hipson, 21, from Lanarkshire, died at the scene of a collision between a Volkswagen Golf and a Toyota Land Cruiser at around 9pm on Saturday, November 15, in Co Louth.

The second-year quantity surveying student at Dundalk Institute of Technology had moved to Ireland earlier this year to pursue her studies.

Four friends travelling with her were also killed: Chloe McGee, 23, Shay Duffy, 21, both from Carrickmacross; Alan McCluskey, 23, from Drumconrath; and Dylan Commins, 23, from Ardee.

Glasgow & West

Tributes to 21-year-old Scot among five killed in Ireland crash

Chloe Hipson, from Lanarkshire, died in the two-vehicle collision on Saturday.

Three other people, one of whom is also in his early 20s, were also left injured.

Gardai described the incident as “shocking and devastating”, saying it would leave a lasting impact on communities in Carrickmacross, Drumconrath and Scotland.

‘A piece of us is missing’

At Daldowie Crematorium in Glasgow on Tuesday, Chloe’s family shared a moving message as they laid their daughter to rest.

Their tribute read: “Our time together was so special, so were all the memories we made. And although you are living in heaven now, these memories will never fade.

“We bow our heads in silence and remember our daughter with such love, and we know that you are up there, watching from above.

“Every day now is a struggle, and nothing is the same, and our hearts break a little more any time we hear your name.

“You will always be remembered, and time may heal our hearts, but a piece from us is missing since the day we had to part.

“If heaven is for angels then we know that’s where you’ll be, and we know you’ll be waiting when heaven calls for each of we.”

There were emotional scenes as relatives, friends, classmates and members of the local community gathered to say their final goodbyes.

Conducting the service, Rev Peter Davidge said Ms Hipson had made Ireland her home and she was “flourishing” there.

Remembering her early life, he said she took to football and played with Hamilton Accies as a young girl, wearing “pink boots and sparkly hair bows”.

After leaving Bellshill Academy, she went into work and later began to study quantity surveying at South Lanarkshire College in East Kilbride.

Rev Davidge said: “She had a very strong work ethic, which I think was a defining thing about Chloe – she’d try anything.”

She travelled frequently and was in Seville for Rangers’ Europa League final in 2022.

Ms Hipson moved to County Monaghan in April this year and took her dog, lhasa apso Poppy, with her.

Rev Davidge said she “fell in love” with Ireland and quickly made friends.

He said: “She was thriving and she was happy, and she was not scared to try out new things.”

He continued: “I think everyone spoke of Chloe as the most perfect person in the family.

“She never argued with anyone, she just got on with life.”

Her partner AJ had been planning to propose to her on Christmas Eve, he said, having sought approval from her father and brother.

Rev Davidge continued: “She, as you know, lost her life so absolutely tragically alongside some other wonderful young people – her pals Alan, Chloe, Shay and Dylan.

“We, today here in Scotland, think of all their families. And of those beautiful young people.”

Mourners were shown pictures and video clips of Ms Hipson’s life.

Rev Davidge also read a poem titled Chloe, written by some of her friends in Ireland.

The song Jealous Of The Angels was played as curtains were drawn on her coffin.

Giving a prayer, Rev Davidge said: “We think of Chloe – for always perfect, for always 21, for always just a lovely person.”

Glasgow & West

Classmates pay respects to Scots student among five killed in Ireland crash

Chloe Hipson, from Lanarkshire, was in her second year studying quantity surveying.

It comes after a book of condolences was set up at Dundalk Institute of Technology and filled with tributes from classmates, who remembered Chloe as “warm, kind, and full of potential”.

Irish President Catherine Connolly said she was “deeply saddened and shocked” at the loss of five “precious, young lives” following the crash.

She said: “I am thinking of them, their families and of those injured.

“May I acknowledge also all those first responders who have worked to support all involved.”

North Motherwell Football Club had also paid tribute to the 21-year-old, who was the younger sister of one of the club’s players.

A post on social media read: “North Motherwell Football Club are devastated to hear the tragic news of the untimely passing of Chloe Hipson, Chloe is the little sister to one of our veteran players Ryan Hipson, Ryan you and your family have always held a special place in the hearts of everyone at NMFC and are very much still part of our football family, I am sure everyone will join me in sending our deepest condolences to you, Toni, Ryan, wee Tommy and all your family at this life shattering time.

“As a mark of respect, NMFC will host a one-minute’s silence in memory of Chloe and to show our support for the Hipson family.

“Rest in peace, Chloe Hipson.”